JAMMU: Minister for Forests, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today held a review meeting in Jammu to assess the region’s environmental challenges and the progress of key forest and conservation initiatives.
Forest Conservators and Divisional Forest Officers attended the meeting, which focused on issues such as forest degradation, biodiversity loss, and pollution in the Jammu division. The Minister called for stringent forest conservation measures and urged enforcement agencies to strengthen monitoring and control mechanisms, particularly near forests and water bodies.
Concerns were also raised regarding soil erosion and landslides in the hilly areas of Chenab Valley, Reasi, and Udhampur, where fragile terrains face increasing pressure. Officials updated the Minister on ongoing afforestation and slope stabilization projects, with an emphasis on scientific planning and coordination with geotechnical experts.
The Minister reviewed progress under CAMPA and other plantation schemes, highlighting the importance of survival rates and active community participation. He appreciated the growing role of local institutions, volunteers, Van Mitras, and NGOs in forest drives and environmental awareness campaigns.
Promoting eco-tourism was identified as a key avenue for sustainable development, with a directive to ensure tourism activities protect natural habitats and engage local communities. The Minister also stressed the need to enhance environmental awareness, particularly among youth, through outreach programs in schools and villages.
Calling for stronger inter-departmental coordination, he urged joint action by Rural Development, Tourism, PWD, the Pollution Control Board, and Urban Local Bodies to comprehensively address environmental challenges.
